Thousands of Cruzeiro fans take to streets to appeal for Alex's return

Thousands of Cruzeiro fans have taken to the streets of Belo Horizonte to call for the return of former idol Alex de Souza.

Alex, 35, left Fenerbahce last week after eight years in Turkey, where he has played since leaving A Raposa in 2004.

Alex's status amongst Cruzeiro fans is legendary, having played a major role in the club's triple crown, or Triplice Coroa, in 2003 (Mineiro Championship, Copa do Brasil and Brasileirão).

Carrying signs and chanting "Alex, warrier, come back to Cruzeiro", the estimated 3000 fans met at approximately 18.30 local time to march and call for their hero's return.

President Gilvan de Pinho Tavares has informally revealed to the media that the club have already prepared a package to offer Alex for his return.

Cruzeiro will, though, face stiff competition, with Alex's other former sides Coritiba and Palmeiras both confident of being able to secure his signature in the coming months.

Due to the end of the player registration window, Alex will be unable to officially sign for a club until January and the Cruzeirense faithful are already setting out their stall to win back their former idol.